A Birth Control Pill For Cats?

!±8± A Birth Control Pill For Cats?

Apparently not many people know this, but oral contraception for cats has been around for as long as 30 years, according to some veterinarians who don't want to be quoted. However, there is a good deal of information at the web site for FeralStat, a company that produces the drug. But it's not really a pill. Anyone who has ever tried to give a tame cat a pill knows how impossible that would be with a wild one. Instead, the drug is mixed into canned food and set out at feeding stations to be sure it's ingested by all the cats.

Though not specifically used for birth control in the past, the drug has been used by vets for years to treat feline disorders. It contains progestogen, a hormone group that's been approved by the FDA for humans, according to the web site, and has more recently been found to be effective enough to provide good population control for feral cat colonies that are being properly managed. Management is key. You can't just give it to them and walk away. It has to be given repeatedly, just as people must take birth control pills on a schedule.

It's not the best option, but it's less costly and easier to administer than capturing every stray that needs it. Anyone who manages a feral colony can attest to the sometimes losing battle of getting all the cats "fixed" before the next batch of kittens is born.

The best option, of course, is surgical sterilization, but that's not always possible, or affordable by the volunteer groups and individuals who come forward to help these animals. Seldom does a community ever provide this degree of humane animal control, which is why it's more a citizen-driven effort.

The idea of an oral contraceptive for wild animals is not new, either. For years, wildlife experts have used drugs to control populations such as horses and raccoons. Why not cats?

Those who have been using FeralStat for a while are pleased to note that there have been no new litters of kittens, the cats look healthier, are less aggressive, and no side effects have been reported, even for the male cats and kittens who have ingested the drug.

The biggest drawback to oral contraception for these cats is that they are not as likely to be captured and vaccinated or checked for medical problems at the same time. Still, it's a very big step in the right direction for feral population control.

A Birth Control Pill For Cats?

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How and When Do I License My Dog?

!±8± How and When Do I License My Dog?

Licensing your dog is something that many pet owners is just not sure how to do. It can be a very stressful and somewhat drawn out process. First and forth, most check with your local animal welfare department.

All counties have different laws and regulations when it comes to the licensing of your puppy. If your area is one of the mandatory ones than it is important that you abide by all the laws. The laws were set up to keep your puppy safe. Not licensing your dog could lead to a huge fine for you if the right law official finds out. It will be in your best bet to ask all the questions that you have to your animal society. Each area sets their own fees and reticence guidelines.

Taking care of your pet is your top priority. Be responsible about it. Do not take shortcuts on the important things. Vaccinations and vet trips should never be ignored. A dog license is just something else that your dog needs thus making it your responsibility. Stay informed, know how much the fees are and how often you have to pay them to keep your dog up-to-date and in the system. Since your dog is in the system if the worse ever happens and they get out of your sight and the pound or animal control in your area picks them up you should have no problem getting them back as long as you have their up-to-date license with you when you go to pick them up.

If your state requires that, you prove that your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date before they reissue your license than this is just another way that the state has to assure that your pet's care and health is being maintained. It is also important that you know how long the license lasts. Some states make dog owners register their pets once a year while others have grace periods of up to three years.

Do not be afraid to ask what the fees you are paying to register your dog goes to. It is your money and it is ok to expect to be told where it is going. Many states take the fees from the dog's license and use them to support much needed animal shelters. It is easier to pay the fees if you know they are going to a good cause.

If you live in a state that does not require dog, owners to license their pet that does not mean you are off the hook. It is important to have some sort of documentation on your pet. Make sure that your dog has an identification tag. The tag should have the dogs name, your name and your home address and phone number. Remember that a dog with no license or no identification tag has less of a chance to be returned home if they ever go missing.

You knew before you brought your brand new puppy home that there were going to be ongoing costs to care for it. This is one of the costs that you will more than likely not see the benefit of if your beloved pet goes missing. Just remember every time that it is time to renew, that this is a safety net for your dog. Along with being a safety net for your pet, the fees are also helping to care for animals that are not as lucky as you are. Your fees enable your states animal department to house animals for longer giving them a better chance of finding owners that will love them and take care of them.

How and When Do I License My Dog?

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